Staffing levels, South East European Energy Community
Energy unions demand progress with Social Action Plans and consultation on Energy Strategy
(6 September 2012) The regional [energy strategy for the Energy Community->http://www.energy-community.org/pls/portal/docs/1582184.PDF] is to give a perspective for energy developments in the region until 2020 and even 2030. It was presented
EPSU Contribution to the Energy Community consultation on the regional social strategy
(30 January 2013) The Energy Community issued a [consultation paper following the Social Forum in October last year->art9021]. The consultation paper request comments of the social partners and governments. For
Energy Community considers the social strategy: regional social dialogue and other elements missing says EPSU
(25 April 2013) The social strategy outline to accompany the regional energy strategy was presented (see below) at the 6th Social Forum. It followed the [consultation which took place earlier
Regional social dialogue in energy sector a priority say EPSU unions
(16 September 2013) The energy unions of the energy community disagree with the recommendations of their government representatives on the social strategy for the Energy Community. These government representatives argue
Health unions call for urgent action on medical staffing
The three main unions representing health workers - FP-CGIL, CISL-FP and UIL-FPL - have issued a joint call demanding urgent action to tackle doctor shortages across the health service. The three federations are particularly concerned about precarious employment, the need for more specialists and for a recruitment plan for doctors to be put in place as soon as possible. They made their case at a meeting with the Ministry of Health on 30 August where they highlighted the impact of austerity and recruitment freezes which have impacted emergency services above all. The unions have warned for many
Union calls for urgent talks over staffing, safety and workloads
The FNV trade union for prison staff has called for an urgent meeting with prison service management to discuss the implications of a new report on staffing, safety and treatment of inmates. The union believes that the report, "Out of Balance", by the Justice and Security Inspectorate provides further evidence of its concerns over excessive workloads and inadequately trained staff. The union now wants the prison service to discuss permanent measures to tackle these problems building on the temporary arrangements that were agreed last year by the justice department and central works council.
Union calls for action on eldercare staffing
The FOA public services union is calling on the government and municipalities to take urgent action to tackle staffing shortages in eldercare. A recent survey found that three out of four local authorities didn't have enough eldercare staff and the situation is set to deteriorate as many workers retire. The sector needs around 13000 new recruits every year but the level is currently half that. The union says that employers use a lot of part-time work to save money and while many employees in the sector actually want to work full time. There is also a question of higher pay for young workers.
Strikes and protests over staffing levels
Member of the services union ver.di working in several hospitals across the country took strike action on 19 September as part of the union's campaign on safe staffing levels and reducing workloads. EPSU general secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan sent a message of support, underlining the importance of protecting the well-being of both health workers and patients by taking urgent action to reduce staff shortages in the sector estimated at over 160000, including over 70000 frontline care workers.